Horchata - long grain white rice

Method

• Wash and drain the rice.
• Using a spice grinder (an electric coffee grinder works well too), grind the rice until fine; combine with the almonds and cinnamon bark.
• Add 3 1/2 cups water and let sit overnight, covered.
• Blend rice mixture until smooth using a blender.
• Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending.
• Add sugar and vanilla extract.
• Strain horchata into a bowl first using a metal strainer and then a double layer of cheesecloth; finish with up to an additional 2 cups of water until it achieves a milky consistency.
• Serve cold or over ice.